Learn about the theories and techniques of estimation and hypothesis in approaching problems in economic practice. Acquire the skills to interpret output of statistical analyses, for drawing conclusions and for diagnostic purposes.

Learn how to explain and apply different econometric models to real data and interpret the estimation results. Do the basic assumptions hold? If not, what are the consequences and can you apply an alternative estimation technique?

Learn how to apply mathematical techniques to microeconomic optimisation problems and give an economic interpretation of the results.

Focus on the thorough quantitative analysis of the foundations of microeconomic theory. How is value determined in a competitive economy? Study how consumer and producer behaviour can be analysed, and how to derive market outcomes and their welfare properties.

Study economic behaviour at the aggregate level and try to explain phenomena such as economic growth, unemployment and inflation. Deal with the design of monetary and fiscal policies that may improve the working of the economy.

Game theory is about strategically interdependent decision-making. It offers several concepts and insights for making better strategic decisions. Learn how a game should be formulated and analyse strategic interactions.

Mathematics 1 provides the basis for the mathematical models you will encounter as an economist. We start from the basis where you identify economic problems that require application of mathematical techniques as part of the solution and interpret the conclusions properly. The tools you will learn to use range from basic arithmetic techniques and summation formulas to limits, inverse function, differentiation and (for an economist crucial) optimisation.

Your eligibility is based on the following citeria: 

1. Academic Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as law, public policy, or a programme with a minor in Economics. Knowledge of mathematics, statistics and economics at a level comparable to the following courses: Principles of Economics or both Microeconomics 1 and Macroeconomics 1, Mathematics 1 for Economics.
2. GPA selection minimum of 7.0 (with a GPA lower than 7.0, you need excellent grades on the courses mentioned above).
3. Mathematics VWO Wiskunde A or B with a grade of 6 or higher. Note that the mathematics requirement must be fulfilled on or before the application deadline.

If you do not meet the mathematic requirement, you can take an extra exam at VWO Wiskunde A or B Mathematics Certificate from one of the following institutions:

• CCVX (on-site) - Students must score at least a 6.0. 
• State Exam (on-site) - in Dutch (registration deadline 31 December) - Students must score at least a 6.0. 
• James Boswell Bèta - Students must score at least a 5.5.
• Korteweg de Vries - Students will only receive a certificate if they passed the Certificate Course. 
• OMPT-F Students must score at least 60%, and are permitted only one attempt for this programme.

Students with an EU academic degree + EU nationality:

Your eligibility is based on the following citeria:

1. Academic Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as law, public policy, or a programme with a minor in Economics. Knowledge of mathematics, statistics and economics at a level comparable to the following courses (It is required to upload course descriptions of these courses in your online application): Principles of Economics or both Microeconomics 1 and Macroeconomics 1, Mathematics 1 for Economics
2. GPA selection minimum of 7.0.
3. You need to hand in a GRE test score minimum of 155 for the Quantitative Reasoning section (please take your GRE test before the application deadline).
4. We require evidence of English language proficiency. Good English skills are essential for successful class participation and understanding. In some cases, you might be exempted from the English test requirement. If not, we'll assess your English skills through specific proficiency tests: 

• TOEFL iBT Test: minimum total score of 92 with a minimum of 22 per subscore. You can use the institution code 9011 to have your score report sent to us. 
• IELTS Academic: overall band score of 6.5. Minimum score per subscore: Speaking and Writing a 6.5 and Listening and Reading a 6.0. Please note that the IELTS Indicator test is not allowed. 
• Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: overall score of 180 and a minimum of 180 per skill. 

Other test versions or modules are not accepted. Examples of this include but are not limited to: IELTS Indicator, IELTS One Skill Retake, TOEFL Home Edition, TOEFL MyBest Scores, etc.

Validity of scores 

Test scores may not be older than 2 years, counting back from the start of the programme. For example, if you are applying for the September 2025 intake, we do not accept English proficiency tests taken before September 2023. Scores older than 2 years are only valid in combination with certain study programmes (check the exemptions). Sufficient test scores received after the application deadline are accepted, as long as your English proficiency test was taken before the application deadline. 

Students with a non-EU/EEA degree

We recommend starting with the Master's Qualifying Programme at the Cambridge Education Group. Their programme is more extensive than our pre-master’s programme, offering additional courses which allow you to better prepare for your Master's progression. Additionally, they provide assistance with:

• your student visa;
• guaranteed accommodation in Amsterdam’s challenging housing market;
• tailor made academic assistance where needed.

Students that progress to one of our Master’s after having completed this programme have shown to perform exceptionally well in our Master’s programmes. Please note that you will be unconditionally admitted to the Master's after finishing this Master’s Qualifying Programme.

Depending on your academic background, you may qualify to apply for the Pre-Master’s programme offered by UvA Economics and Business. This programme is not tailor-made to fit your specific academic background which means you do need to meet all the specific entry requirements in order to start. Please note that it does not offer additional services such as guaranteed student accommodation.

We do not have a pre-Master’s programme available for students with previous education from a Dutch University of Applied Science (HBO). You can apply for our Bachelor's Economics and Business Economics.

The application deadline for the September 2025 intake: 

Register in Studielink – Select the programme: Economics and Business Economics - pre-Master's programme. After that choose 'Business Economics' or 'Economics'.

After registering in Studielink, you will receive your UvAnetID. This will give you access to check the status of your personal enrolment Checklist. There you find the subsequent steps that you need to take in order to complete your enrolment.  

In order to check if you are eligible for the programme you need to upload and submit your documents in our online application system Embark. Make sure you keep an eye on the deadlines! 

You will most likely receive your results within 4-6 weeks after we have received a complete application, but in peak moments (January till June) evaluating your application may take a few weeks longer.

The tuition fees for your pre-Master’s programme depend on the number of ECTS credits you need to obtain. Please take into account that it is not possible to arrange payment of your tuition fees until the programme has officially admitted you to the pre-Master’s programme. The tuition fees for pre-Master's programmes are usually not calculated until August.